Decomposed body of infant troubles KEM Hospital

The decomposed remains of a baby, who died moments after taking birth, has become a cause of concern for the post-mortem staff at Parel's KEM Hospital.

The reason behind this is the negligence of police officials, who allegedly aren’t responding to repeated reminders by the hospital staff asking them to dispose off the decomposed body, even though it’s been two months since the death.

There are no relatives coming forward to claim the remains, and even the mother of the child, who abandoned him after birth, is yet to be traced. Five other bodies have also been rotting in the hospital mortuary due to similar reasons.

On September 8, the mother of the child gave birth to the child, a day after being admitted at the maternity ward of KEM. Sources said that the woman wasn’t accompanied by anyone. Due to medical complications, the mother gave birth to a baby boy who died within moments of birth.

Nurses from the ward said she asked for permission to go out for some time, and never returned. The body of the infant was moved to the post-mortem department after which the nurses noticed the mother’s prolonged absence and notified Bhoiwada Police Station.

Officials from the police station took then took down details of the incident. Today, even two months later, no action has been taken, allege hospital authorities. “We have sent letters, called and even personally reminded the officers whenever they came to the department for any work.

But they have been delaying the disposal of the body, which is now completely decomposed,” said a staff member of the department. Apparently, the same police station is also yet to dispose other two other unidentified bodies, which have also been lying in the mortuary since September.

Speaking to SUNDAY mid-day, Shirish Sawant, Senior Police Inspector of Bhoiwada Police Station, said, “I am out of the city right now. I'll have to check with the concerned officer about the issue.”